It’s our 200th episode! Thank you for joining us as the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, Dr. Ashley Boggan and Rev. Matt Rawle take a look at the profound change The United Methodist Church has experienced during the past four years and share honest reflections on what these shifts mean for how United Methodists live into transformation with love, joy and courage.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

The Bible has often been misused to wound and exclude, with distorted interpretations justifying harm. Drawing on his own experiences of being rejected by faith communities, Pastor Zach Lambert wrote “Better ways to read the Bible: Transforming a weapon of harm into a tool of healing” to share how to reframe Scripture as a source of restoration and hope and how to read the Bible through a lens of healing, inclusion, and love.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Preserving the stories of Black Methodists isn’t just history work for Carol Travis, it’s a calling. Discover how this cradle Methodist and leader with the African American Methodist Heritage Center ensures generations of vital stories are never forgotten.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

The first bishop ordained in a central conference and later elected to serve in the United States, Bishop Carlo Rapanut shares how growing up in a United Methodist church in his hometown of Baguio City, Philippines, shaped his leadership and call to ministry. A dedicated runner and ultra-marathoner, he reflects on discerning his call within a covenant community and the vital role of connection in guiding the church forward on this special “Meet a Bishop” episode of “Get Your Spirit in Shape.”

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

In a world that can be challenging and ever-changing, Wesleyan scholar Paul Chilcote shares how his new book, “Transformed by Grace,” and the wisdom of John and Charles Wesley can inspire us to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously in our lives and churches.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Many United Methodists have memories of summer camp being full of fun and friendships. But it’s also a place where faith comes alive through powerful worship and real spiritual growth. Discover how these sacred camp moments are impacting young people long after summer ends and how you and your local church can be part of the story.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co-author Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert challenges United Methodists to reclaim Wesley’s practices that empowered everyday disciples—not just clergy—to lead, serve, and grow vibrant communities of faith.”

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Dialogue across difference isn’t a modern invention—it’s biblical. Old Testament scholar William P. Brown discusses how Scripture embraces diverse perspectives from the first verses of Genesis through the Book of Revelation to offer a model for connection in today’s divided world.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Hope isn’t about ignoring reality, says Natalie Justice, who has experienced two different cancer diagnoses. Through the uncertainty and tough days, the United Methodist minister learned that, by leaning into God, hope can be a holy medicine.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Learn more and/or order a copy of Justice’s book, “Sunflowers in the Valley: Finding Hope and Healing through Faith: at Amazon and other online booksellers.

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth or to deepen your relationships, authors Janet and Paul Chilcote share transformative insights drawn from 50 years of ministry, mission, and marriage in their new book, “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek.”

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Learn more and/or order a copy of “On Love: 20 Lessons for the World We Seek” at

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.